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Insulin Pumps Offer Alternative To Injecting Insulin

Insulin pumps offer patients with diabetes an alternative to injecting insulin several times a day.

An insulin pump is the size of a cell phone and delivers insulin through a tube that is inserted through the skin, near the abdomen, hip, or buttocks.

The pump can administer insulin in a continuous dose (basal insulin) or at certain times (bolus insulin), usually mealtimes, with the patient’s control.  Insulin pumps are believed to work as well as, or better, than injection because the devices are able to mimic the body’s natural insulin-releasing system.

Insulin pumps, however, are not suitable for everyone. Insulin pumps are not recommended if you:

• Do no have access to a trained or experienced caregiver for the first few months of using an insulin pump
• Are blind
• Have limited or no time to attend training classes
• Have a psychiatric illness

Education is a necessary part of using an insulin pump, as the device needs to be set to administer the correct amount of insulin at the right times.

With the help of your diabetes care team, you can adjust an insulin pump to fit your lifestyle and your target blood glucose range.

Why Choose an Insulin Pump

An insulin pump is not an artificial pancreas.  Even with an insulin pump, you must still monitor your glucose level just as you would with insulin injections.

There are many factors to consider before deciding to use an insulin pump. And it’s a decision you should make with the help of your doctor.  Advantages of the insulin pump are:

• Ability to exercise without having to eat large amounts of carbohydrates
• Easier delivery of bolus insulin 
• Elimination of individual insulin injections
• Elimination of unpredictable effects of intermediate- or long-acting insulin
• Fewer large swings in blood glucose levels
• Flexibility with when and what to eat
• More accurate delivery of insulin
• Reduction of severe low blood glucose episodes

Disadvantages include:

• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) if the catheter comes out and insulin delivery ceases
• Higher cost
• Hospital or outpatient center stays for training
• Inconvenience of constant pump attachment 
• Weight gain

Source: National Institutes of Health; American Diabetes Association